5 chronicles
After the Credits
Personal essays and reflections on games, adulthood, memory, burnout, and taste.
Sep 07, 2026
Why This Blog Exists: I Still Love Games, I Just Don’t Trust Hype Anymore
Russ Hale explains why he started Last Save Tonight: a blog for busy adult players who want honest judgment on what’s wo...
Sep 05, 2026
Why So Many Modern Games Confuse “Big” With “Worthwhile”
Russ Hale argues that modern games confuse size with meaning. Here’s how to spot the difference between a big game and a...
Sep 02, 2026
The Quiet Relief of Dropping a Game You’re “Supposed” to Finish
Russ Hale reflects on the guilt and eventual relief of quitting a critically acclaimed game he didn’t enjoy, and why let...
Aug 31, 2026
Why I Keep Replaying One Old Favorite Every Winter
Russ Hale reflects on his ritual of replaying one old favorite every winter, and what that annual return teaches him abo...
Aug 29, 2026
The Problem With Calling Everything a Masterpiece
Russ Hale examines how the word “masterpiece” lost its meaning in gaming discourse, and why honest, specific criticism m...